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Andrus returns to defense

Rangers manager Ron Washington discusses Alex Rios' offseason preparation for the season and Elvis Andrus talks about his offseason workouts

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

SAN ANTONIO -- Elvis Andrus was back at shortstop on Friday night, his first start on defense since March 17. Andrus has been dealing with soreness in his right elbow the past two weeks and also had some shoulder soreness in the first week of March.

Andrus attributed the problem to a lack of throwing during the offseason while not playing winter ball. His throwing was erratic from the beginning of Spring Training and the Rangers finally put him on a throwing program after his last appearance at shortstop on March 17. The goal was to get rid of all the soreness, rebuild arm strength and get him ready for Opening Day.

"Right now I'm feeling pretty good," Andrus said. "I've been doing the throwing program and everything feels fine. It's getting stronger every day. All of this is in the past. I don't have too much concern."

Josh Wilson is expected to start alongside Andrus at second base in place of Jurickson Profar, who is expected to be sidelined until June with a torn muscle in his right shouder. The other option would be Donnie Murphy, who was claimed on waivers from the Cubs on Wednesday.

Either way, Andrus hasn't had much game time with his next double-play partner.